Board examines proposed site for new bus station
Board examines proposed site for new bus station
JAKARTA (JP): New estimates on the cost of relocating the
overcrowded Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta reveal that
the city administration could save Rp 12 billion (US$12.8
million) if it chooses to relocate the terminal to land owned by
the state housing company PT Perumnas, instead of an alternative
site owned by members of the public, an official said on Tuesday.
"We are still examining the proposed locations," said deputy
of the City Development Planning Board Rusdi Yusuf.
Rusdi said that the city administration had allocated Rp 40
billion towards land purchase for the project.
There are two proposed plots of land that could accommodate
the new bus terminal. The first one measures 7.8 hectares, while
the other one, owned by PT Perumnas, is 10 hectares. Both are
located in Pulogebang in East Jakarta.
The plan to relocate the terminal, designed to service Jakarta
commuters and intercity passengers, was initially made in 1987.
It was first managed by private contractors PT Rodiol Eron, but
in 1997 the company claimed that they could no longer afford to
finance the project.
The city administration then took over the project and planned
to build the terminal using its own resources.
The project is scheduled to be completed by 2002.
Despite problems which have beset the project, it is still
considered vital in order to reduce traffic congestion in the
immediate area and improve facilities for the general public.
Rusdi said that at least 8-hectares of land is needed for the
construction of a new terminal to help alleviate the continued
growth of vehicle use in the capital.
"The (newly proposed) site is strategically situated near the
Cakung Utara outer ring road and a train station, which provides
easy access and links to reach other areas," Rusdi said.
It is located about 5.5 kilometers from the current Pulogadung
terminal, which stands on a 3.3 hectare plot of land.
"We hope the new bus terminal will trigger investment and
boost business activity in the area," Rusdi said.
Thousands of buses use the Pulogadung terminal every day. It's
traffic levels usually peak on major holidays, such as Idul
Fitri. (07)